Prabha Ravi for Mayor of Lower Hutt
Smarter spending, better services
For over 25 years, Lower Hutt has been my home. It’s where I raised my children, built a business, and forged the deep community connections that define who I am. I’m standing for Mayor because I believe our city deserves fresh, grounded leadership and a Council that puts its people first.
It's clear our city needs a new direction. We need smarter council spending that ensures every ratepayer dollar delivers maximum value. Our local services must be more reliable and accessible for everyone. And we need thoughtful, future focused leadership that is genuinely representative of all who live here.
I have the leadership experience and strategic vision to deliver this change. As the founder of Grow Consultancy Limited, I’ve supported New Zealand businesses and education providers with international strategy and public policy. My background in economic development and stakeholder engagement includes senior roles at national organisations like Education New Zealand and Toi Whakaari. As Chair of the Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council and through my work with numerous community boards, I have a proven record of advocating for the needs and voices of our people.
This high level experience is grounded in a deep, grassroots understanding of our community. As the founder of the Natraj School of Dance, I’ve had the privilege of bringing together over 1,600 students, using the power of the arts to connect our city’s diverse cultures.
My commitment as your Mayor is clear: to listen, act, and get the best for Lower Hutt. That means ensuring our Council delivers reliable public transport, supports our small businesses, and fosters a vibrant cultural life. While I stand as an independent voice, I am committed to working collaboratively to be a Mayor for all.
Together, we can end "politics as usual" and build a stronger, smarter, more inclusive future for our city.
Fresh Leadership for Lower Hutt
Prabha’s Policy Priorities
My campaign is centred on results, not rhetoric. My platform is built around three core pillars:
Value for Money: Smarter Council Spending
Introduce a Ratepayer Value Charter to promote outcome based budgeting
Audit major council projects for effectiveness and accountability
Prioritise frontline services and cost of living relief
Commission an independent financial review of Council
Transport and Infrastructure that Works
Advocate for more frequent and affordable public transport, including on weekends.
Maintain affordable council parking and improve reliability
Inclusive, Connected Communities
Launch Community Connect to support grassroots initiatives and local hubs
Champion the arts, sport, and youth participation across the Hutt
Ensure all communities, especially rangatahi and ethnic groups, are represented and heard
Reinvigorate the city with night markets, festivals, arts, and cultural events
About Prabha Ravi
A Life of Service, Leadership, and Community Connection
With 25 years of residency in Lower Hutt and a background in strategic leadership and public policy, Prabha offers the proven skills to deliver practical results. Her campaign is focused on smarter spending, better services, and inclusive leadership for the city.
Biography
Prabha Ravi – Independent Candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt
Current Panel Member of Hutt City Council - Creative Communities Scheme
Current Panel Member of Creative New Zealand and Lotteries Community Fund for Wellington & Wairarapa
Mayoral Civic Honour Award, Hutt City (2011)
Board Member: Arohanui Strings, Hutt Radio and Archives Charitable Trust, Hutt Sister City Foundation
Past Member: Two terms on the Hutt City Council Community Panel – (Central Ward)
Queen’s Service Medal recipient (2017) – for services to ethnic communities and dance
Founder & Artistic Director, Natraj School of Dance (est. 1999, Lower Hutt)
Principal Consultant, Grow Consultancy
Former Chair, Hutt Valley DHB Consumer Council
Governance roles with: Volleyball NZ, Baseball NZ, Play Aotearoa, BATS Theatre, Arts Wellington
Senior leadership roles at Education NZ, Toi Whakaari, YMCA Central, WelTec, and more
Finalist, Wellingtonian of the Year (Education, 2016)
Special Commendation, Indian Newslink Business Awards
Finalist, Wellington Airports Awards for Lower Hutt, Wellington and Upper Hutt (2024)
Past panel member for ECDF Funding at the Ministry of Ethnic Communities
Past panel member for Ministry of Education - Creatives in Schools
UG - Degree in Mathematics
PG - Masters in Public Administration
Prabha on Value for Money
“Every dollar must work harder. Lower Hutt families deserve more for what they pay.”
Prabha on Transport and Infrastructure
“Getting around shouldn’t be a burden. Let’s build a city that moves with you.”
Prabha on Inclusive, Connected Communities
“We’re stronger together, and every voice matters. My campaign is about delivery, not division. I’m here to work for the people of Lower Hutt”
